Is Toledo Ohio Your Next Weekend Getaway? A Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Explored!
Updated: 7 days ago
Thinking of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a weekend trip? Look no further than Toledo, Ohio! Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Maumee River, housing the largest mural in the COUNTRY - Toledo may just be the perfect destination for your next adventure and trust me, whatever you've heard someone say about Toledo, may or may not be true - but from my experience, there is so much to love about Toledo. It's definitely a, you got to see it for yourself kind of city! I went, I saw, I explored, I ATE and I am definitely going back to for more! So let's get into my last trip there!
Where I stayed:
Okay, one thing about this girlie, is that I LOVE A CITY VIEW and my room on the 11th floor of the Renaissance was just that. With sweeping views of the river and city, it was the perfect place to elevate my trip to Toledo and while the city itself may not be big, the views paired with the river truly creates a view that I loved waking up to! I also enjoyed all the space of the Queen Suite, which may have been "too much" room for me on my own, but it was great and I DANCED around every inch of that room! The location was also wonderful, in walking distance of activities downtown, easily drivable to all of my destinations and the valet parking for me didn't hurt. Not to mention, they also have a downstairs eatery called Brim House and an upstairs ROOFTOP bar and eatery, The Heights, but more on that below (wink wink). I would definitely recommend staying here! With super friendly staff, super comfy beds and THE BEST HOTEL ROBE I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED, this is an easy yes, for your place to stay when visiting Toledo!
Oh the Bites
One of the best ways to delve into the heart of a city is through its food, and Toledo does not disappoint. Toledo, is actually quite known for its diverse culinary landscape, due to it's diverse population. Toledo is actually often noted as a 'test market' for the restaurant industry. And trust me when I say, there is a bite everyone will like in Toledo. From bar bites, and juicy burgers to savory gourmet cuisine at a fine dining restaurant or even the casino. Toledo's culinary scene is sure to surprise you.
Where I wined & dined:
You all know my appreciation for a great craft cocktail, but let me tell you, my visit to Toledo Spirits blew me away with their amazing cocktails. Their banana-themed concoctions are truly exceptional, a great balance of flavor and strength. The ambiance combines industrial elements with modern design and lush greenery, creating a space I could kick it for a while. And the surprise brewery downstairs, HEAVY, adds another layer of coolness. The distillery tour was absolutely fantastic. Bellwether is a must-visit spot in Toledo, offering not only delicious drinks but also light bites and non-alcoholic options. THEY ALSO HAVE POP-UPS - And we all know I LOVE A THEME, so stay update with them - I hear Christmastime is a hoot! Make sure to include it in your itinerary for a memorable start to your trip!
Modern eclectic cuisine, timeless flavors, and a rotating seasonal menu, I mean what more are we asking for. I truly enjoyed my meal at Registry, it was like, if classic elegance was a meal, not too over the top for fine dining but approachable and delicious. The Oak Smoked Ohio Raised Pork Shank with Grilled Apples is easily my most memorable bite at Registry. The oysters and salad were lovely, but trust me - if you haven't seen my reel with that meat coming right off the bone - go watch it! It was fabulous, I didn't leave a bite on the plate, I may have even licked it. The space was minimalist art gallery vibes with warm feels, and sitting right next to the window felt like something out of a movie scene, or at least in my head it was. It is located downtown and not too far from the hotel, so if you're looking for an evening stroll before or after dinner I recommend doing so. (An 8 minute walk from the Renaissance)
I AM A BRUNCH QUEEN! Bring on the eggs benny, chicken and waffles, and a mimosa, and I am in my element. Brim House has everything you need, conveniently located just downstairs from your room. I love the ease of a quick elevator ride for a delicious breakfast or brunch – convenience is key, right? The atmosphere at Brim House is so tranquil, offering a simple yet delightful breakfast to start your day off right. I found their back seating area particularly charming, with its large windows and open kitchen providing a lovely morning dining experience.
Okay, I really don't have much to say because - I WAS OBSESSED with Earth! I swear I had the best Pistachio Latte in my life, as well as an amazing Matcha Strawberry drink. The atmosphere is basically a greenhouse adorned with art and laid-back vibes. Earth Coffeehouse is located inside TolHouse but open to the public! TolHouse is a members-only social club for entrepreneurs, city-dwelling creatives, and entrepreneurs LIKE ME! No wonder I loved it! BUT I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
You know, that scene in Last Holiday, Queen Latifah ordering the whole menu with Chef Didier? That was me. This Italian restaurant at Hollywood Casino is a true gem! I'm not a gambler, but I'd bet on this dinner any day. Chef Adam was a delight, and the table-side Cacio e Pepe presentation was so fun! The food was rich and comforting, yet showed off it's Italian roots. This was my favorite dining experience of the trip. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the abundance of TVs for scenic views or catching a game was a nice touch. I'll definitely be returning. And that Maple Bourbon Ice Cream? Absolutely delicious! Don't hesitate, just go!
The Heights is another experience that I would like to visit again! I enjoyed a French 75 and Toledo's midnight city views. Perched on the 12th floor of the Renaissance, The Heights is the perfect spot to end the night. It ranges from a relaxed dining experience to a vibrant social night scene. As a solo traveler, I enjoyed conversations with a few friendly, not so strangers, and some sips before calling it a night and sinking into the sheets. This is somewhere I wish I would have spent more time, I can only imagine watching the transition from day to night up there, I'm sure the sunset is stunning from the 12th floor.
The Cups of Joe are soaring! No, seriously, the atmosphere at The Flying Joe was buzzing, and I'm confident that their subtle yet trendy Harry Potter themed event played a role in that. The Flying Joe is absolutely stunning, with a modern design and a color palette that I adore - sleek blacks, woods, and greens, all complemented by the aroma of coffee and breakfast! My latte and bagel sammy were fantastic, and I just loved the space, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The Flying Joe is the perfect spot to kickstart your day or be productive, but since we're on vacation, work is the last thing on our minds here.
There's no need for me to repeat it, but I AM THE BRUNCH QUEEN! 😄 My sole regret is not having a large group of my girlfriends with me at Rosaria's. It truly is the ultimate spot for a girls' brunch. The ambiance is absolutely delightful, with colorful and unique tables. Situated in the charming Downtown Perrysburg, it's a gem worth visiting. I can't stop thinking about the breakfast pizza and the pancakes - you must try them!
Where I played:
A Saturday spent wandering through the farmers market truly nourishes my soul. I love diving into the vibrant community of makers and creatives. The market offers a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce to art, candles, food, and my personal favorite, flowers, oh and COFFEE! I was tempted to stock up on everything, if only I hadn't walked there. It's worth noting that for a fruitful shopping experience at the Farmers Market, I recommend bringing a tote or driving there. While it's within walking distance from the hotel, the return journey with all your purchases might be a bit too much to carry. I guess I'll just have to come back, luckily they are open year round.
I'm something of an artist myself (you're my people if you get that) - but seriously, I never get tired of art. It's such an immersive experience and often showcasing the parts of the world around us we can't encapsulate. The Toledo Museum of Art is renowned and is a standing beacon of creativity. You'll find art ranging from classic masterpieces to contemporary installations. You can also immerse yourself in a glass making demonstrations right across the way. This was one of my favorite activities on my trip - the city's artistic vibe definitely inspired my creative side, also the sculptures outside - SO GOOD!
At the 577 Foundation, you can immerse yourself in a delightful garden stroll, explore their community-led garden, discover the fascinating world of bees, participate in creative classes like knitting, and indulge in reading while meandering along the river walk. This non-profit community seamlessly blends art and nature, all within the stunning estate established by Virginia Secor Stranahan. The 577 Foundation is charming and is reminiscent of Khrons Conservatory in Cincinnati. It's a place of learning, creativity, and tranquility, with a peaceful environment to soak in the sun and enjoy nature. I must admit, I could easily see myself calling this place home. Check out their website for classes and events, ranging from pottery, and culinary arts to conservation & so much more!
